Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta and Basil Recipe
Enjoy these delicious Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta Delight, featuring tender roasted eggplant slices rolled around a luscious mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh basil. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect as a flavorful dinner option that’s both satisfying and elegant.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 rolls
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Eggplant Roll-Ups
- 2 large eggplant, sliced thinly lengthwise (¼-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (use whole milk for richer flavor)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the eggplant slices.
- Prepare eggplant slices: Slice the eggplants lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper to season.
- Roast eggplant: Arrange the oiled eggplant slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly golden.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- Assemble roll-ups: Take one roasted eggplant slice at a time, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto one end, and roll the slice up tightly to encase the filling.
- Arrange rolls in baking dish: Place the rolled eggplant slices seam-side down in a suitable baking dish. Pour any leftover ricotta mixture over the top of the rolls for extra creaminess.
- Bake the roll-ups: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let the rolls rest briefly, and garnish with extra chopped fresh basil before serving warm. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to add a smoky, crispy top.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor and crispy tops, broil the filled rolls for 2-3 minutes after the final baking step.
- You can substitute fresh basil with other herbs like oregano or parsley for variation.
- Use whole milk ricotta for a richer, creamier filling experience.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
